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Former President Barack Obama’s strategist David Axelrod expressed reservations about removing Donald Trump from the ballot, fearing it could rip the country apart. Axelrod emphasized the importance of letting voters decide at the polls. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsay Graham believes the US Supreme Court will side with Trump, citing presidential immunity and arguing that Trump has addressed election fraud concerns through legal channels. Green Day sparked controversy during a New Year's Eve performance by altering the lyrics of their song “American Idiot“ to criticize Donald Trump. This isn't the first time the band has made such a move, having done so in 2019 and 2016, triggering online backlash from Trump supporters. Despite the band's outspoken stance, they are gearing up for the release of a new album this month, promising an intimate exploration of “Green Day's brain“ and a glimpse into their “collective spirit.“ Three women, former members of Donald Trump's administration, issued stark warnings against his potential return to the White House in 2024, emphasizing the threat they believe he poses to American democracy. Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House Communications Director, asserted that the issue goes beyond politics and policies, focusing on Trump's character. Cassidy Hutchinson and Sarah Matthews, also former White House aides, expressed concerns about a second Trump term, recalling his denial of the 2020 election results. Trump's campaign dismissed them as “ungrateful grifters,“ highlighting defections from former officials. Matthews even hinted at the possibility of voting for a Democrat in 2024, prioritizing democracy over policy. The women encouraged others to speak out against Trump's potential candidacy. Despite such opposition, Trump maintains a strong position in polls as the Republican frontrunner. In the recent Suffolk University/USA Today poll, it's Trump stealing the show, leading the GOP pack and even outshining President Biden in some key voter groups. With 1,000 likely voters in the mix between Christmas and New Year's Eve, the poll shines a light on Biden's soft spots, especially among his core supporters. Black voters who were over 90% behind Biden in 2020 are now at 63% for 2024. Trump, making strides, snagged a five-point lead among Hispanic voters and a four-point lead among the under-35 crew. In economic news, there are concerns about $117 billion worth of commercial real estate facing loan defaults as a consequence of lockdowns impacting the economy. Biden's polling numbers are reported to be historically low, raising questions about his political standing, and Kamala Harris's lack of engagement on border issues has drawn attention. The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group, deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean amid the Hamas-Israel conflict, is heading back to its home port in Norfolk, Virginia. This move comes as the Department of Defense maintains a global force posture, and other US naval assets remain in the Middle East and Mediterranean due to ongoing concerns, including Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea. In summary, the new year brings a mix of musical controversy, political warnings, and geopolitical developments, all contributing to a complex landscape as the world navigates various challenges in 2024.
